Self empowerment. Self success. Self dignity. Many believe that the ability to achieve goals in life independently and hold pride in one’s own name is what defines a successful person. At a young age, kids are taught that they are truly “grown-up” when they can fend for themselves, or live their own life and achieve their own goals without the help of their parents, peers, or teachers. In society, success is only truly someone’s if they completely earned it by themselves. The competitive nature in some humans create the crave to become better than others, which leads to the want to work independently. Of course, it is important to not depend on others for one’s personal success. However, what if the desire for self success could lead to isolation?
…show more content…
Though having the story take place during the Great Depression seems fitting based off of the culture and traits of the characters during the story, Steinbeck intentionally did so to portray an profound message, the outcome of isolationism on society during the Great Depression. During the Great Depression, the United States isolated itself from other countries, cutting off trade, business, and alliances, which caused them to run low on necessities, proving all parts of society are what makes society work. When one country does not communicate with other countries, issues regarding imbalance occur. George, though not purposefully secluding himself from others, creates a sense that his connections with others aren’t genuine, except for the one with Lennie. Him being driven towards owning a ranch with Lennie can show that he is only befriending others in order to gain success and respect from others at the ranch. He admits that he isn’t fond of any of the ranchers saying, “‘I ain’t got no people,’” and, “‘After a long time they get mean. They get wantin’ to fight all the time.’” (Steinbeck, __) Although George shows a great deal of compassion for Lenne, he surely doesn’t with the other ranchers. Furthermore, he purposely excludes Lennie from the rest of the ranchers to help him avoid getting into trouble. Though doing so helps them keep their job in a sense, this causes other
Though having the story take place during the Great Depression seems fitting based off of the culture and traits of the characters during the story, Steinbeck intentionally did so to portray an profound message, the outcome of isolationism on society during the Great Depression. During the Great Depression, the United States isolated itself from other countries, cutting off trade, business, and alliances, which caused them to run low on necessities, proving all parts of society are what makes society work. When one country does not communicate with other countries, issues regarding imbalance occur. George, though not purposefully secluding himself from others, creates a sense that his connections with others aren’t genuine, except for the one with Lennie. Him being driven towards owning a ranch with Lennie can show that he is only befriending others in order to gain success and respect from others at the ranch. He admits that he isn’t fond of any of the ranchers saying, “‘I ain’t got no people,’” and, “‘After a long time they get mean. They get wantin’ to fight all the time.’” (Steinbeck, __) Although George shows a great deal of compassion for Lenne, he surely doesn’t with the other ranchers. Furthermore, he purposely excludes Lennie from the rest of the ranchers to help him avoid getting into trouble. Though doing so helps them keep their job in a sense, this causes other